Billy Graham, an American clergyman once remarked: “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” Proverbs 13:22 reminds us: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.”
A legacy in life is the perennial impact and the inheritance a person leaves. It extends beyond material wealth to include personal values, wisdom, love, and the positive influence one has on others. Fundamentally, it becomes an individualistic and historical story of life and how one is remembered. It is assessed through personal actions, character, and the memories created. It's about making a difference, inspiring future generations, and living authentically to create a meaningful mark that transforms a physical presence, often felt through what is left in people rather than just for them. Apart from any bequest, it is defined as the long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or in a particular person’s life as a whole.
In Christian theology, the inheritance of God refers to the spiritual blessings, eternal life, and co-heirship with Jesus Christ that believers receive through faith. It is described as an incorruptible and glorious treasure that includes spiritual riches, peace, joy in the Holy Spirit, and, the presence of God Himself. It is an unearned gift based on an adoption into God's family, offering secure, unending hope that transcends earthly, temporary possessions. The Bible presents the "inheritance of God" not as physical property, but as a spiritual, eternal relationship with God Himself, secured through faith in Jesus Christ.
Key stories and passages, such as the Parable of the Prodigal Son, illustrate this as an unmerited gift of grace, adoption into God's family, and a share in the glory of Christ. This parable highlights the inheritance as restored relationship. The father welcomes the lost son back, saying, "Everything I have is yours," showing that the inheritance is the grace and presence of the Father. The parable seeks to confirm the unconditional love, mercy, and forgiveness of God, portrayed through the father's eager reception of his repentant son. It illustrates that God welcomes back sinners with open arms, emphasizing that no one is beyond redemption.
Luke 15:11-32 reminds us: And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”
But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
Forgiveness is defined as the intentional, voluntary process of releasing feelings of resentment, anger, and vengeance toward someone who has caused harm, regardless of whether they deserve it. It is a conscious choice that prioritizes personal mental health and peace of mind over holding onto a grudge. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, excusing, or condoning the offense, nor does it require reconciliation. Based on theological, biblical, and devotional perspectives, the consensus is that God's forgiveness is considered to transcend all other forms of forgiveness because it is divine, unconditional in its offer, and limitless in scope. It is viewed as superior to human forgiveness because it is not based on merit, but on grace, dealing with the root cause of sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Forgiveness is widely considered one of the most powerful and transformative legacies a person can leave, often described as a "gift" that breaks cycles of negativity, heals emotional wounds, and provides a path to peace. It is considered the gift of freedom that transforms the emotional suffering and burden of guilt into reconciliation. While many legacies focus on material possessions or achievements, a legacy of forgiveness is deemed superior because it frees the giver from the burden of resentment and allows them to move forward unburdened by the past. Many spiritual and philosophical traditions consider forgiveness to be the highest form of love and the light that dispels the darkness of fear, judgment, and guilt in the world.
It acts as a bridge to unconditional love, allowing individuals to see past illusions and recognize the shared humanity and divine essence in others. Martin Luther King, Jr. an American civil rights activist once remarked: ”Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Psalm 103:10-14 reminds us: He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 is the Apostle Paul’s final, triumphant reflection before his martyrdom, summarizing his life as a faithful struggle, a finished race, and a kept faith. He expresses confidence in receiving a "crown of righteousness" from God, the righteous judge, assuring that this reward awaits all who eagerly await Jesus' return. It reminds us: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”
Amen.
